2023 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Rehabilitation
OSF HealthCare has rehabilitated one of Peoria’s most iconic buildings, creating its new Ministry Headquarters and reinvigorating the city’s downtown in the process. The building, known locally as “The Big White Store,” was constructed in 1904 and first home to the Schipper and Block department store. The project included significant demolition of non-original interior infrastructure, exterior refurbishment, and meticulous restoration of historical details. Specialty craftworkers were engaged, and archival research was conducted to ensure faithful maintenance of historical details. Original architectural elements were authentically and meticulously restored or rebuilt according to original specifications. The reuse of the building prevented its demolition and also led the project team to list it in the National Register of Historic Places, securing its inclusion in the Downtown Peoria National Historic District and enabling the use of federal and state historic preservation tax credits.
(Photo credit: balloggphoto.com)